| Mission | | Background | | | Who We Are | | | Statement of Need | | | Effectiveness | | | Director | | | Staff |
Statement of Need
In the face of current governmental budget cuts and the lack of community based youth programs, few could argue against the need for a program like the NYCBBC. NYCBBC instills values of respect, cooperation, teamwork, leadership and the importance of obtaining an education. The league fosters a greater awareness of community through competition and mentoring. Participants learn the value of physical fitness, hard work ethics to achieve goals, and the process to successful completion of set goals and objectives.
As participation increases each year with both our summer and winter programs, so does the additional need for financial support. As with past years, the NYCBBC requires a registration fee per child to meet basic operating expenses.
In an effort to fully address funding concerns, another source of financial support comes from the selling of raffle tickets. The NYCBBC has been selling raffle tickets since the year 2000. This is viewed as important to the extent that it involves direct contributions from individuals in the community. However, raffle ticket selling is a tedious and time-consuming process that takes away valuable time from the organizers that could be spent to further develop the program.
While both of these revenue sources are critical, neither generates enough monies to fully fund the programs. Hence, additional funding is sought every year to cover the remaining expenses.
As the NYCBBC has grown, the word has spread and others have taken notice. This increased visibility lead to the NYCBBC receiving its first donation ever in the year 2002. The first was from Mr. Montel Williams of the Montel Williams Show. NYC Police Officer Keith Walton presented the NYCBBC with its second donation that year as well. Both donations helped tremendously towards the cost of the trophies. Mr. Montel Williams continued to donate on a consistant basis after that first year. Other donations have been received from organizations such as Behind the Bench – NBA Wives Association, as well as, other organizations, local businesses and private donators who also realize how vital the NYCBBC league is to the community (click on “Sponsors”). In 2004, thanks to Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell, the NYCBBC received its first state funding. Every year additional donations/sponsors are sought to help meet the annual operating needs of the NYCBBC.
Due to the increased physical and talent level of the children, it had become abundantly clear that the NYCBBC needs Official League Referees for the games. In 2003 for the first time Official League Referees were hired from B-Ball Referees Inc. The presence of Official League Referees allowed the staff, parents and other volunteers to refocus their energies into other areas of need. The success of their presence that year proved that the hiring of Official League Referees would become an ongoing necessity for the NYCBBC summer league.
If you know New York City summers and certainly if you have ever played a game of full court basketball, you know that dehydration is a primary concern of the league. As an ongoing effort the NYCBBC seeks 100% underwriting of liquid refreshments. Other auxiliary budget items in this category include ice, cups and gallon containers to better serve the children.
When the league was conceived, the children, a couple of basketballs and a basketball court seemed like enough. In the past kids who waited for their turn to play sat on the hot asphalt instead of benches due to lack of funds. The NYCBBC quickly realized that chairs, tables and benches were essential as well. During the earlier years borrowed tables and chairs were used which were stored in individual homes of staff members.
Finally, in 2003, benches, tables and chairs were purchased, as well as, the renting of a year-round nearby storage facility. In the past, a cargo van was rented every Saturday to transport the equipment from an off-site storage facility to the park. Today, thanks to the NYC Parks & Recreations Department, a storage unit is now located in the park giving us easier access to the equipment and furniture.
As a volunteer effort the NYCBBC has done well. As the league continues to grow it is clear that the amount of work and time that is required warrants paid staff positions. The NYCBBC is currently seeking funding to finance this staff salaries.